Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of part of Gilford Castle into a guesthouse, with a total of ten bedrooms over three floors.
The plans also include landscaping works to facilitate level access, and garden improvements. The planning application was lodged by Consarc Design Group Ltd, Cromac Quay, Belfast, on behalf of Robert and Adrienne Moffett, 5 Banbridge Road, Gilford Castle.
Other facilities within the listed building will be retained, including two apartments, each with a bedroom and a kitchen, a domestic kitchen, a drawing room, a library, a billiard room and stores on the ground floor for private use.
Related: Gilford Castle getaway? Permission sought to transform historic property into guest accommodation
ABC Planning officers wrote in their report: “The proposal is for part-change of use from an existing dwelling (Gilford Castle) to create a guest house with accessible bedroom accommodation on the ground floor, and additional bedroom accommodation on the first and second floors, including landscaping works to facilitate level access and garden improvements.
“Ramped access will be provided externally to the accessible bedroom on the ground floor.
“The landscaping works will repair the damaged surfaces to allow for better access to the entrances, whilst creating a pleasing aesthetic appropriate for the listed structures.
“This is a B+ listed building and is set within a historic park, garden and demesne.
“The application is for a part-change of use of Gilford Castle from residential to a guesthouse to provide 10 bedrooms. The nature and scale of the proposal would be acceptable in this location.
“Officers, in consultation with DfI Roads, the competent authority in these matters, are content that the proposed parking provision will adequately cater for the proposed parking requirement, without any unacceptable impacts on highway safety, and the access arrangement proposed is acceptable.
“Officers are satisfied that the proposed change of use would secure Gilford Castle’s upkeep and survival, and the character and architectural or historic interest of the building would be preserved.
“Officers are of the opinion that the scale, form, materials and detailing with traditional and sympathetic building materials and techniques being used, are in keeping with those found on the existing building.
“Works within the garden area of Gilford Castle include landscaping works to facilitate level access and garden improvements. No works are proposed that would cause harm to the character or setting of the historic park and garden.”
Gilford Castle is a two-storey Victorian Scottish-Baronial style country house or ‘castle’ dating back to around 1865. The house stands on a site occupying around 207 acres.
The property was purchased in 2020 by its current owners.
